Jaina Epistemology

SR No.: 006738
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Indra Chandra Shastri
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith
Publication Year: 1990
Total Pages: 516
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 21 MB

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Epistemology of Jainas
leaves into the Agamic treatment entirely as far as the theory of knowledge is concerned. It does not refer to the five types of knowledge with their subdivisions of avagraha etc. any where. It divides pramāņa into pratyaksa and parokşa with their subdivisions as suggested by the logic of Akalanka, including the Agamic types in various categories. It follows Akalanka also in defining the terms of syllogism. Vidyānanda and Māņikyanandin are staunch followers of Akalanka and therefore have striking resemblance in their definitions.
KULABHŪSAŅA (10th cent.):
He wrote a commentary of the Vādanyāya of Syādvāda Keśarin. Though the work is not available at present, yet it is clear that it was widely known in the non Jaina circle. Durveka Miśra, in his commentary of Hetubindu, refers to him.2
ABHAYADEVA (11th cent.) :
Abhayadeva has written a colossal commentary on the Sanmatitarka. The name of this commentary, according to the author, is Tattvabodhavidbāyini, but it came to be recognised as Vadamahārņava (the ocean of debates) owing to its lengthy discussions and critical style. Abhayadeva shows his talent more in criticising others than in explaining his own views. But, unlike the other critics he does not represent the other systems. in a twisted form. He puts forth every thought faithfully. His style is clear and informative. The volume of this commentary supersedes all the previous works on philosophy written by Jaina or non-Jaina scholars. The Jaina literature did not possess. any work on any topic of such a big size before it. It is as big as 25000 metres. The gradual increase in the bulk of philosophical work seems to culminate in this commentary. Like Sanmati it is also divided into three kändas and discusses those very subjects. The whole of its 2nd chapter is devoted to the problems of jñāna and darśana.
1. Hetubindu p. 378